Artist's rendering of proposed Women's Treatment Center
Community Assessment and Treatment Services (C.A.T.S.) has taken ownership of the property adjoining its current facility on Broadway Avenue. Through a $2 million Capital Campaign, C.A.T.S. will build a new Women's Treatment Center. This 23,000 square foot building will create a "campus-like" atmosphere for those receiving C.A.T.S. services. With courtyards and plentiful green space, the new property will not only welcome those wanting a better life, but it will also provide much needed aesthetics in the Broadway/Slavic Village/Union Miles area. In addition to the new comfortable building C.A.T.S. will provide:
Increased capacity for programs for women
Recreation rooms for physical activity
Outdoor meditation and serenity areas
Computer lab for education and workforce readiness
Library for study and literacy education
Family meeting space for reunification
Meeting space for community education and workshops
Handicap accessibility
Sustainable design features including day lighting of interior spaces, operable windows, maximum building envelope insulation, high efficiency HVAC systems, “smart” electrical and lighting systems, and recycled and recyclable construction and finish materials
More than bricks and mortar, it will be a home. This new place for women will provide security and comfort for those who reside there. It may be all they need to make the necessary changes in their lives – to become productive citizens, free from alcohol and drugs.
I am honored to serve as Chairperson for Community Assessment and Treatment Services, Inc.'s Capital Campaign. I have visited C.A.T.S., observed their work and listened to the stories of the men and women...with that, I am committed to helping this organization build a new facility.
Our community has learned that to change the economy and to make our community a safer place, we must address addiction. As C.A.T.S. welcomes individuals through its doors from incarceration, encourages them to take the necessary steps to recovery and provides them with resources and tools to maintain their sobriety and self-sufficiency, our world becomes a better place.
The women who will reside in this new facility need an environment in which they can recover. Assisting them in this transition may allow them to return to their families, feel the pride of employment and empower them to live full, productive lives. Your support of this campaign not only serves altruistic motives but supports good business practice - a significant human and economic impact! I hope you will help to Build a Better Place for the Women of C.A.T.S.
Why does Community Assessment & Treatment Services, Inc. (C.A.T.S.) need a new building?
C.A.T.S. Women currently reside in the former Holy Name Convent. Major repairs are needed, in addition to high utility expenses. Due to these costs and rent, it is not cost-effective to remain at this location. In addition, the property is part of planning for senior housing and the building may be demolished.
Who is conducting this campaign?
This is C.A.T.S. first capital campaign. The campaign is being made possible through the efforts of C.A.T.S. Board of Directors, agency staff and community volunteers and with the assistance and coaching of a paid consultant. C.A.T.S. is working to build the capacity of the agency in fundraising through training for staff and recruitment of Volunteers. The Friends Committee is a group of community leaders who have signed on to help with the campaign because they believe in the mission of C.A.T.S.
Who is being asked to contribute to this campaign?
The campaign is organized around key constituent groups, identified by their support or affiliation with C.A.T.S. mission. Primary givers include C.A.T.S. Board of Directors, staff, and friends. Secondary requests will be asked of foundations, public agencies, businesses and corporations, and special interest groups. Because C.A.T.S. serves individuals who may be a neighbor, an employee, a friend or family member, we encourage everyone to support this cause.
How is C.A.T.S. funded and how will the program be sustained?
C.A.T.S. operates from over 27 different funding streams. Primary funding comes from government agencies including the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections, the Ohio Department of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services, The Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services Board of Cuyahoga County, and the Cuyahoga County Department of Justice Affairs.
This project will easily be sustained by the fees and contracts which the agency currently operates from. This investment will be recovered over and over again because of this feature.
How can I participate?
Pledge your generous financial support. C.A.T.S. is a 501 c 3 organization and gifts are tax deductible as allowed by law. You can make a multi-year pledge and determine how it is paid. If you are 701/2, check with your financial advisor as there may be additional benefits to giving. You may also want to explore the naming opportunities that can be a lasting tribute to you, your family, or someone of your choosing.
The C.A.T.S. Board of Directors has determined that the building will begin when the agency has raised 50% of the needed funds. From that point, the building will take 12-15 months to complete. This campaign is scheduled to begin in January of 2007 and to close by June of 2008.
